Quizzers Pad Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Well, I definitely am not the first person from our quiz team to see the movie, but it still seemed worth reviewing for those who have not seen it. Post your own impressions in the comments below.

The Rating: PG (Definitely accurate. Very clean all over, but violent in spots which are likely to lead to nightmares for young children)

The Plot: Four children are sent away from London during the Blitz in the middle of World War II to live with a mysterious relative (Professor Kirk) in the country. At first, they are intimidated by the huge house they are brought to, and the cantankerous housekeeper who warns them in no uncertain terms that youthful hijinks are not tolerated. One rainy day, the bored children decide to play hide and seek, and while hiding in a wooden wardrobe, one of the children comes upon a magical land hidden inside. This world, called "Narnia" is under the power of a witch who makes it "always winter but never Christmas." But as the rest of the children are drawn inside, there are signs that things are about to change.

The Review: This story was written by C.S. Lewis who was a great Christian theologian of the last century, as well as being a professor of literature and mythology. The chronicles of Narnia, of which this movie is an adaptation of the first book, is his attempt to create fairy tales for children which "smuggle in" a bit of Christian imagery and thought. The idea is not to preach at you, but rather to tell a good story first and then second bring in the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and salvation that prepare a child to appreciate the story of Jesus Christ later in life. The movie does an admirable job of first being a good story, but also manages to bring in most of the elements that Lewis used to get his moral across as well. As a life-long Lewis fan, there were a few spots where I noticed departures from the material (ask me sometime about the "war is an ugly business" line) but overall it is a faithful interpretation.

Parents considering whether this film is right for their kids need not worry in most cases. There is no language to worry about, the evil is kept at a level which is believable but also clean, and there is no blood to see. However, for children who still get nightmares from very intense movies, this may be one to save and watch on DVD in a few years. Despite the lack of blood, there are many battle scenes of far more intensity than their textual counterparts and a few images which may haunt.

Overall, a great movie. While not of the caliber of Lord of the Rings, it delivers a faithful adaptation of Narnia which provides a deep and thoroughly enjoyable trip into a fantasy world with characters you like and understand.